Innovative idea of Rainwater Aggregation in Yemen is granted the Philips Livable Cities Award

Royal Philips Electronics has today announced the winners of the Philips Livable Cities Award, a global initiative designed to generate innovative, meaningful and achievable ideas to improve the health and well-being of city-dwellers across the world.

The overall winner of the Award, announced at a gala ceremony held at the world famous Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, was named as Sabrina Faber based in Sana’a, Yemen, for her idea ‘Rainwater Aggregation in Sana’a’.

Sabrina’s idea was praised by the supervisory panel for its unique approach to modifying existing structures in Sana’a to capture, filter and store rooftop rainwater. Through her scheme, Sabrina hopes to help solve the water shortages commonly experienced in the city during dry spells, whilst providing clean drinking water. This could potentially result in significant health benefits for the whole population.

Sabrina will receive a €75,000 grant from Philips to enable her to realize her vision.

Richard Florida, Professor, Author and Chair of the Philips Livable Cities Award supervisory panel, commented: “What really impressed us with Sabrina’s scheme was the proposed execution of a relatively simple concept that will have such a significant impact on the lives of so many people across the city of Sana’a. We’re looking forward to seeing her idea come to life and improving the health and well-being of the residents of Sana’a.”

Two additional winners will each receive €25,000 for their practical, implementable ideas.

Manuel Rapoport, from Buenos Aires, Argentina was recognized for his ‘Plaza Movil Street Park’ idea. This would see Buenos Aires’ streets temporarily closed to traffic during weekends and public holidays and portable playground equipment and benches used to convert them into recreational spaces for people of all ages.

James Kityo of Kampala, Uganda, will use his grant to develop his Shade Stands project. Waiting for transport under hot sun, or in torrential rain with no shelter is a situation that the people of Kampala know only too well. The Shade Stands will provide vital protection in particular for nursing mothers and babies, and the elderly.

Other finalists come from Argentina, Kenya, Nigeria, the UK and the USA, representing a truly global picture of the solutions offered to city-dwellers across the world.

All eight finalists and their ideas for providing unique and original solutions were showcased and celebrated at the Award ceremony in Amsterdam. The event was attended by leading experts, dignitaries, and government officials from the Benelux region.

“We recognize the tremendous effort invested by both the winners of the Philips Livable Cities Award and the other finalists in developing their submissions. Philips is proud to be associated with the imagination and vision they have all displayed and offer our congratulations and thanks in the 2010-2011 Award’s first year,” said Katy Hartley, Director of the Philips Center for Health & Well-being and member of the Philips Livable Cities Award supervisory panel.”

For 2011-2012 Philips is committed to building on the program’s strengths to further recognize meaningful innovations which make a real difference to people’s lives. 

The winners will work with Philips and program mentors to help realize their ideas in their local communities.